Many Join to Heal Guinness

Meet Guinness -- a 2 year old English Mastiff who was brought to the Associated Humane Societies' Tinton Falls shelter by a Long Island family in January. The youngsters would ride the dog, jump on the dog and as a result, he had torn anterior cruciate ligaments which made walking difficult and painful. The Society received estimates to do surgery repair at about $7,000 - $8,000.

In these economic times, it was going to be hard to raise the funds but Tinton Falls Manager, Bruce Sanchez, started discussions with local animal lovers. Dana Luciano had adopted a St. Bernard from the Society and has helped with numerous efforts to raise funds, supplies and awareness. As a fifth-grade teacher at Wemrock Brook School in Manalapan, she asked her class to start a letter-writing campaign to 22 area veterinarians to donate the surgery repair.The project was also to help hone their writing skills and build character and a community effort.

Dr. Richard Yacowitz of the Little Silver Animal Hospital was one of several veterinarians who offered to help. The hospital is offering his facilities. Orthopedic specialist Dr. Steven Cudia of Toms River will perform two surgeries -- several weeks apart --and will receive a modest amount that the children are presently raising. One surgery has already been successfully completed. Physical therapist Susan Davis of Red Bank will donate several months of rehabilitation for Guinness. Guinness met with the entire class at the Little Silver Animal Hospital and then on March 17th, Guinness had his first operation.

Throughout this entire effort, it has been a joy to see a wonderfully affectionate dog who took fame and friendship in stride throughout the entire discomforting ordeal. Guinness is presently under the care of our Tinton Falls Manager where he will convalesce at his home until Dr. Cudia feels he is ready for the second operation. With media headlines reminding us of the daunting economy, it is heartwaming to realize that there is room enough in everyone's heart to take care of a huge dog with a heart to match.